ACTING  GIVES  TESSIE  TOMAS  A  HIGH

MANILA, OCTOBER 5, 2009 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISPERS by ETHEL RAMOS (‘[I]t’s the fulfillment that she gets in this profession which she has chosen to embrace for nearly three decades that makes being an actress such a rewarding profession.’)

TESSIE Tomas admits that the trappings that come with being a celebrity is what she appreciates. And this is not just the attention and the money; rather it’s the fulfillment that she gets in this profession which she has chosen to embrace for nearly three decades that makes being an actress such a rewarding profession.

Twenty-eight years ago, when Tessie created the character "Amada Pineda," the TV weather girl in the gag show "Champoy," never did it enter her mind that it would give birth to almost a hundred characters in her years as a stand-up comedienne.

Amada Pineda was followed by Meldita and then Barbara Tengco, her role in the political satire "Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata," which led to an offer by Charo Santos for Tessie to be the host of the morning program "Teysi ng Tahanan."

In no time, she was gracing the big screen, playing roles which she never thought she could portray.

For a while, Tessie jumped stations. With GMA 7, she did the comedy series "Bahay Mo Ba To?" and "Kim Samsoon."

Tessie is now, of course, back as a Kapamilya, where she is currently doing the romance-comedy "George and Cecil."

She is also playing an important role in the upcoming "Agimat" series, in the episode "Tonyong Bayawak," which Coco Martin topbills.

She has lately been active in indie films. So far, she has appeared in eight indie projects, including "Sanglaan" and "100."

"Sanglaan" won for Tessie the best actress trophy in Cinemalaya. In "100" she was nominated, also for best supporting actress in the last Gawad Urian.

In the Pusan Filmfest in Pusan, South Korea, where "100" was in competition and was awarded the Audience Award, Tessie was one of the delegates.

***

Tessie is mom to Robin Tomas, a promising fashion designer, one of the few Pinoys in the profession who studied at Parsons.

Robin works for a Venezuelan designer in New York. He has had the chance to work with Gap, Valentino and Anna Sui.

Robin designs and creates most of the attire which Tessie wears with pride in most gatherings, whether formal or casual.

Tessie has been married to British marine biologist Roger Pullin, who is now an executive of a multinational company, for fifteen years.

Tessies has had the privilege of having traveled almost the world over because of her husband’s work.

She makes sure that she has her husband’s blessings every time she does a TV show or movie. When she senses that Roger does not like a particular project, she obeys him.

"I guess that’s the reason why my marriage has lasted this long. Fifteen years, we have to admit, is fifteen years.

"And we are both happy and satisfied with each other.

"When I married him, I made sure I understood his job. Napansin kong ganundin siya.

"And thank God we have the same interests. Na siya na ring idini-discuss namin kapag nag-uusap kami.

"We are never bored," Tessie stated further.

***

Paolo Contis was in Marikina at the height of Ondoy.

When he was told that the streets on his way home were no longer passable, he decided to park his car in what he thought was a safe area as there was no sign of water near the parking lot.

Imagine his chagrin when before he knew it, water started surging inside his car. He had no choice but to leave his car and seek shelter inside the nearest establishment.

He is grateful that when the water subsided the following day, he discovered that his car was still working.

Paolo’s talent manager, Lolit Solis, on the other hand, spent the night in her unit at the Imperial Palace after being stranded on Kamias in Quezon City on her way to her talk program, "Startalk" on GMA 7 along Timog, also in Quezon City.

Gorgy Rula, a field reporter of "Startalk," who likewise acts as Lolit’s right-hand man, had her fetched by his driver.

***

"Pinoy Dream Academy" runner-up Bugoy Drilon merely ignores the report that he is gay. As far as he is concerned, what is important is that he is sure of his gender.

For a former farm boy in Camarines Sur, Bugoy is now doing well. He has not only realized his dream of becoming a singer but he’s now a recording star.

His fondest wish to help his parents and siblings is slowly being realized. With the cash prize of P500,000, he was able to pay for the farmland which he, being the eldest, and his father used to till.

Two of his younger siblings are in high school. Another is enrolled in computer school.

Every month, he makes sure to send his folks P10,000 for their household and health expenses.

Next in his agenda is to build a bigger house for his family. Right now they are using the appliances which he also received as part of his winnings.

What about love?

"Well, I’m just in my early 20s," said Bugoy. "That can wait."